Put Out to Pasture
Are you retired and over 65? Do you feel “put out to pasture”? In your church, community, or family, do you feel your experiences, wisdom, and skills are no longer wanted or needed? You are not alone.
The “elderly” or seniors attain that designation at age 65 in the United States. Unfortunately, they also become “one of the only stigmatized groups that we all become part of some day.” The U.S. and other Western counties with individualized societies have little respect for the elderly compared to other societies. [1] “The term being “put out to pasture” was once coined to describe tired old horses who were retired from their work and put out to the pasture to graze and wait quietly to die. Today and thanks largely to the new economy that our political leaders and corporations and economists embrace so passionately, the term is applied to people. Many people in their 50’s and 60’s have been ‘put to pasture’ early as the “new” economy has no use for them. The experience of being put to pasture is neither rare nor shocking anymore.”[2]
Lack of respect for the elderly is not confined to the corporate world. For example, seniors feel “devalued” and not listened to by health care providers. The aged are stereotyped as frail, helpless and have little to offer.[3] It seems that ignoring and actually stigmatizing the elderly by those who are young is pronounced today. It is the lived experience of the boomer generation and older. [4],[5] Seniors frequently experience loneliness and long for experiencing meaning and usefulness in their lives.[6]
As you look at the data, both our changing culture and the changing technological advancements have contributed to this lack of respect for the elderly. Has this had any effect on the two most significant bodies for Christians—that of the family and the church? It seems “change” is the trigger point. What changes might contribute to ignoring the wisdom and contributions of the elderly in the church? We are seeing two different but related changes in my faith group. The first case is a shedding of traditional practices in worship by those who think the erosion of membership can be alleviated by adopting current cultural practices. In the second case it is the movement of many of the elderly into congregations that adhere to more traditional practices. In the first case advice and wisdom that might be forthcoming is ignored. In the second case it is ignored due to the stereotyping previously discussed. Or in some cases it can be suspicion of the “newcomer.”
So, how can a senior avoid being “put out to pasture?” First, it is the responsibility of the elderly person to make known his experience and desires for service. After this, it is counterproductive to give advice and counsel. I learned long ago that unsolicited advice is neither wanted nor appreciated. Therefore, what is one to do? One must take charge. That usually occurs in one of two ways. The first is true of many who join any organization and want to be active. They vote with their feet and go somewhere where they are valued and can contribute. The second Is the option to those that do not wish to leave the relationships in their current group. They simply find other ways outside of the congregation to use their expertise. Both of these cases are loss to the particular congregation, but not necessarily to the church—Christians can serve Christ anywhere.
But what does the bible say about the elderly? The bible is filled with admonitions of respect for and the wisdom of the elderly.[7] It is also filled with the follies of youth that ignore the wisdom and advice of the elderly. Further, it is the commandment of the leadership of the church to equip and use the God gifted spiritual gifts of each member. ( Eph 4).
When my wife and I were members of the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City – the Oklahoma Christian University congregation, we had an eye-opening experience. The class was a 5:00 PM “Early-Bird” attended primarily by “elderly” individuals and those who wished an early class. It was taught by an excellent Professor Of the New Testament. It was his practice to call on an older person (man or woman) to describe their significant experiences and in their long life. One would be astonished at what these people had done. No one should discount the wisdom and experience of any older person just because they are “old.” I, for one, never wish to be the white-haired old man in class or meeting whose only contribution is tolerated with their unsolicited comments. No elderly person, man, or woman wishes to be in that situation.
Finally, if you are feeling “put out to pasture?” what are some positive actions you can take? The activities that have the most meaning for the elderly fall under three categories: 1) Those with Social Interaction 2) Those with cognitive stimulation and 3) Those that give a sense of purpose. Socializing, volunteering, learning, creative expression, and assisting with extending family needs are particularly helpful.
[1] https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/ageism
[2] https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2016/02/16/when-people-are-put-out-to-pasture-the-real-journey-begins/
[3] https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/17/health/age-discrimination-khn-partner-wellness/index.html
[4][4] 8 saddest reasons why youngsters nowadays are no longer respecting the elderly – Goody Feed
[5] Ask Amy: Boomer decries younger generation’s lack of respect – oregonlive.com
[6] https://theconversation.com/loneliness-loss-and-regret-what-getting-old-really-feels-like-new-study-157731
[7] 70 Inspiring Bible Verses About Old Age Or The Elderly (bibleversesnow.com)